How Should a Christian Steward a Vote?
As followers of Jesus, we are to steward every gift that God has given us for the sake of Jesus as citizens of His kingdom. Jesus and the apostles did not have the right to vote, but we live in a country where we do have that right. How are we to steward the privilege of voting for the sake of Jesus and His kingdom? In this episode we explore the difference between voting and rooting, and how we can know which one we are doing. We also talk about the impact of voting on local issues and local candidates, rather than obsessing about national politics, and how much more of an impact our vote makes in the local context. Stewarding our vote also requires that we become educated about the candidates and the issues, putting in the work to be well informed long before we are asked to cast our vote. We also explore how we can love our neighbors – and even our enemies – in the ways that we vote, and how the way we vote has become one of the most visible aspects of the public witness of Christians to the broader society. Finally, we ask if there are times that we shouldn’t vote, and whether there is any truth to the idea that voting (or not voting) for certain candidates is a sin.
Discussion Questions:
Have you previously considered the difference between the privilege and responsibility of voting, versus what so many of us tend to do, which is root for a particular political team or tribe? Can you identify ways in which we can determine whether we are voting or rooting?
Many commentators and comedians have pointed out how little Americans know about current events, policy issues, or the persons who are elected to represent them. What do you believe is behind this deficit in being informed about the issues that we are voting upon? How have you worked to overcome this issue in your own voting? Are there ways that Christians can model being a people of the Truth by being well informed about the way we steward our vote?
When you think about voting, do you tend to think first about the presidential election? Do you consider the influence your vote has on local issues, and how the local vote has the most direct impact on the quality of our life and the lives of our neighbors?
In what ways can we tangibly love our neighbor and promote the flourishing of those around us through our vote? When Jesus taught that as His disciples, we should love even our enemies, are there ways we can do that in the way that we vote? Why do you believe we have become a society – and oftentimes a Christian community – that champions hating our political enemies rather than loving them in the way of Jesus?
About one-quarter of young adults leaving the church (and often leaving their faith) cite their disillusionment with the church’s obsession with politics as the top reason for their decision to leave. In what ways have you observed the church’s approach to political engagement and voting work to drive people away from the Christian faith?
John describes a time only 30 years ago when it was hard to distinguish between the policy positions of Democrats and Republicans. What factors do you believe have driven both parties toward extremism and led to such an inability to work together for the benefit of the country?
Have you ever considered that stewardship of our ability to vote might at times require that we not vote for either candidate? Does choosing not to vote in certain circumstances feel strange to consider, and could that be an indication that we have internalized an American ideal more than a careful consideration to the times when our discipleship to Jesus requires us to withdraw from the norms of the culture we live in?
In what ways does the public witness of the way we vote advance the mission of the church, and in what ways does it become a stumbling block that obscures or repels people from the message of the Christian faith?
